The mechanics, mechanical anatomy, and mechanical distortions of the bony structure of the human foot

THE

MECH^jsnncs,

MECHANICAL ANATOMY,

AND

MECHANICAL DISTORTIONS

OP

THE BONY STRUCTURE

OF

THE HTJM^N FOOT.

COPYRIGHT SECURED.

PORTLAND:

PRINTED BY BROWN THURSTON.

1860.

P

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year T86(?y,

BY J. C. PLUMEB, M. D. r
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maine ^

j PEEF ACE.

r

Only the more serious, congenital deformities of the human
foot, such as the varieties of club-foot, &c, have generally
engaged the attention of surgeons. Many of whom of eminence,
among them Ferguson, Liston, Druit, Astley Cooper, and others,
have alluded to the more important mechanical distortions, such as
bunion, splat-foot, &c, with suggestions as to the proper
surgical treatment required. Sir Benj. Brodie, in his "Clinical
Lectures," has devoted an entire chapter to "corns and bunions," and
their treatment, (Jrom the works above referred to, Vol. 1, is a compi-
lation,) hut none of them have commenced with the cause of very
many of these troublesome distortions, the shoemaker's last. So
long as Boots and Shoes are fashioned upon blocks of wood having
no features in common with those of the foot,they must, as a matter
of course, produc9 distortions upon the feet of the wearer.

If "the cut of a shoe is not, as the cut of a coat, a matter of in-
difference," most certainly the form of the last should not be a sub-
ject of fashionable change, especially in its important qualities.

If "when fashion prescribes an arbitrary form of a shoe, she
goes far beyond her province, and in eeality arrogates to herself
the right of determining the shape of the foot," how is it when she
prescribes the form and proportions of the last upon which the
shoe is moulded ?

At present, the last-maker produces a fashionable last, and from
it, the boot-maker a fashionable boot, and our feet, alone at fault,
in the estimation of both last and shoe-maker, have to suffer ; for
if the boot is not made to fit the foot, the foot must be made to
fit it, and in doing this the foot is distorted.

In order for a boot-maker to have "a really nice perception of
what he is to undertake," the surgical instrument he is to construct,
he should have some knowledge of the anatomical mechanism of
the human foot, especially of the solid structure, and should "study
the habits of the individual foot, manner of stepping, whether nat-
ural and free, or restrained, and whether inward, or outward, or
straight-forward.

The line of direction, and distance from the heel, of the ball or

joint of the great toe, should be carefully considered, for " upon
it, the weight of the body turns at every step." And the
relation of the corresponding points in the sole of the shoe
is important to a firm, elastic, and easy tread, as well as to the
economical wearing and comfort of the boot.

That boot and shoe making, and the requirements and abuses
of the foot, are subjects upon which the people should he better
informed, and upon which more attention bestowed, does not ad-
mit of question. A properly constructed boot or shoe is essential
to thorough muscular development and health ; for without them
healthful exercise is tedious, if not impossible.

In distortion of the foot, the Chinese are, as a nation, content
with a less degree than ourselves, their idea of elegance requir-
ing but one especial deformity ; viz., bending under of the toes
against the palm of the foot, for the purpose of shortening it.

We are satisfied with nothing less than a general distortion of
the entire foot, in all its joints and throughout its entire construc-
tion, and also of the ankle joint.

Dislocation of the great toe joint, or Bcrxiox, inversion of the
transverse, and flattening of the longitudinal arch, or flat and splay
*oot, are the degree of distortion required by us, and for the grad-
ual production of which our common shoe is an instrument
which cannot be surpassed by any one however ingenious, or
whatever his cleverness in mechanics, or knowledge of anatomy.

The object of this pamphlet is to call attention to some of the
more importaut mechanical distortions with a view to the ultimate
removal of their cause.

And this is to be accomplished only by the exactions of public
sentiment, for so long as the shoemaker receives his accustomed
patronage and attending profit, he is satisfied with his own pro-
ductions, and quite disinclined to the inconvenience of innova-
tions, and substituting other for his own models, simply for the
benefit of his patrons ; even if he is sufficiently intelligent and
unbiassed to appreciate an improvement.

Many of the diagrams are intended exaggerations with the view
of rendering the principles involved more appreciable to all.

PART FIRST.

THE

METATARSO-PHALANSEAL,

TRANSVERSE ARCH.

In flattening, or inversion, of the transverse arch, as represented
in fig. 12, the metatarsal and phalangeal, or, toe bones, by gliding
down the laterally inclined planes of the boot-sole, to the centre C,
are approximated or crowded together, producing compression
and atrophy of the tissues lying between them, and destroying the
elasticity of this portion of the foot. All this is aggravated, as
well as the tendency to subluxation, or Bunion, the production
of callosities upon the toes, sides, and sole of the foot, especially
beneath the joints; by placing the boot-heel so far behind, (the line
of axis of the Tibia a. a. a., fig. 1, 2, 3, p. 2nd.) as to throw an
undue proportion of the weight of the body upon this portion of
the foot, and exert through its wedge or lever effect, (fig. — ,) a
pushing forward of the foot into the boot or shoe.

(Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive, part 2d.)

TEANSVEESE AECH.

FlEST.

Of the subluxation of the first Metatarsophalangeal
Articulation ; or,

BUNION.

Fig. 1

Represents the outline of the bony structure of the natural foot in
its integrity, with the bones of each toe in their normal, relative
position.

Fig. 2

Represents the outline of the common boot-toU " too narrow and
pointed for the part it is to contain." (Vol. 1, pp. 4 and 9.)

Fig. 3

Represents the relation of the narrow and pointed sole to the bony
structure of the well formed foot. The effect upon the foot, of
wearing which, is seen in

Fig. 4

Outline of the bony structure of the foot distorted by subluxa-
tion of the First Metatarso-Phalangial Articulation, or
great toe joint, an essential anatomical and mechanical condition
of Bunion. (Vol. 1, pp. 7, 9, 11, and 20). Also the cause oi
"ingrowing toe natf," (Fig. 6, Vol. 1.)

Fig. 1

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

8
TRANSVERSE ARCH.

Fig. 5

Represents a vertical transverse section of the ball portion
of the

Common last,

convex on the tinder turf ace,

Fig. 6
Represents a vertical transverse section of the ball portion of the
Patent Last,
concave on the under surface.

Fig. 7
Represents a vertical transverse section of the ball portion of a

boot, from the

Common Last, showing S-,

the sole, Concave on its upper, and.

Convex on its under surface.

Fig. 8

Represents a vertical transverse section of the ball portion of a

boot from the

Fatent Last, showing S.,

the sole, Convex on its upper and

flat on its under surface.

Elevation F., fig. 8, affords uniform support to this portion of
the sole of the foot, and prevents lateral gliding motion and tread-
ing out or inwards of the foot ; important to the even and econo-
mical wearing of the boot.

(Figs. 9, 10, 11, and 12.)

Tig. 5.

10

TRANSVERSE ARCH.

INVERSION OP THE

METATARSOPHALANGEAL, OR TRANSVERSE ARCH.

Fig. 9
Represents a vertical transverse section of the natural foot
near the metatarsophalangeal articulations, or transverse
arch. B., bony structure ; lines a. a. show the arched form of this
portion of the foot.

Fig. 10
Demonstrates the adaptation of the boot sole S. transversely convex on
its upper surface (formed upon the patent last, fig. 6), to this
part of the sole of the undistorted foot, aftbrding uniform sup-
port and preventing callosities upon, and distortion of the joints.

Fig. 11
Demonstrates the antagonistic relation of the boot-sole transversely
concave upon its tipper surface, (made upon the common last,
fig, 5) to the sole of the well-formed foot. ' The concave sole is
opposed to the naturally concave surface of the foot, and the
space C. resulting, the only bearing points of that portion of the
foot upon the boot-sole being at J. J., the joints of the great and
little toes; the "breaking in" of the boot, as will be readily
comprehended, consists in part, in pressing and flattening the sole
S. to the floor F. In attempting this upon a thick, unyielding
sole, the parts suffer from undue pressure and become the seat
of painful callosities, (Vol. 1, fig. 1, a).

The margins alone of the foot resting upon the sides of the
concave at J. J., an ellipsis is formed represented by lines L. L.
and 1. 1., the middle portion of the foot being unsupported the
unavoidable tendency is flattening, which is represented in

Fig. 12.

flattening or inversion,

of the metatarsophalangeal or transverse arch, indicated by

the inverted curve, and produced by wearing the unyielding boot-

oles formed upon common lasts.

Fig. 9.

12
TRANSVERSE ARCH.

Fig. 13

Represents the outline of the bony structure of the bottom or sole
of the foot. B, the under surface of the first

Metataeso Phalangeal Articulation,

or great toe joint, or ball of the great toe.
. H, the heel.

Fig. 14

Represents the bottom or sole of the patent last. The ball scat b,
corresponding with the point B. in fig. 13, should be properly
formed, icell defined, in the right direction, and of suitable distance,
from the heel seat H so as to produce by the aid of the workman's
hammer a depression upon the upper surface of the in-sole,
which shall correspond with and receive the lower rounding sur-
face of the ball of the great toe, and prevent the necessity of pro-
ducing the depression with the joint itself, in which consists,
in part, the " breaking in, " of the boot, an efficient auxiliary to
the production of Bunion.

This depression is both obvious and palpable, upon the upper
surface of a boot sole which has been worn for several weeks, and
is produced by the pressure, of the under surface of the great
toe joint.

PART SECOND.

THE

CALCANEO-TAESAL

AOT>

TARSOMETATARSAL,

OB

LONGITUDINAL ARCH.

2
LONGITUDINAL ARCH.-

In Fig. 1,

The resistance to the breaking tendency of 200 lbs, (the bodtf r
Tigs. 4 and 7), is more effectually resisted, with the support H.
{Boot Seel, Figs. 4 and 7) situated as in Fig. 1, nearer the line of
axis a. a, a. of the super-imposed weight of 200 lbs. (the body t
Figs 4 and 7), than it is in

Fro. 2,

Where the support H. (Boot Heel, Figs. <: and 8) is more removed
from the line of axis a. a. a. of the super-imposed weight of 200
lbs., (the body, Figs. 5 and 8).

The effect of the malposed boot-heel is seen in

Fig. 3,

The structure (longitudinal arch of the foot, Figs. 6 and 9), is Irok-
en down, the plane of its upper surface (upper surface of th c
astragalus, Fig. — ), is inclined forward and downward, the
weight of 200 lbs. (the body, Figs. 6 and 9) is poised forward at
an angle with tho line of axis a. a* a., taking the direction of »th«
line b. b., (also Figs. 3, 6, and 9)*

LONGITUDINAL AECH.

Figs. 4, 5, and 6

Represent the outline of a perpendicular longitudinal section of
the bony structure of the foot and lower third of the Tibia or bone of
the leg below the knee, showing the construction of the calcaneo-

TARSAL, and TABSO-METATABSAL, Or LONGITUDINAL ARCH, and in

Fig. 4,
the proper position of the boot heel H {support H, fig. 1), and its
relation to the line of axis a, a. a. of the tibia.

Fig. 5
represents the malposition of the boot heel S (support S, fig, 2), and
its too remote position, in the rear, from the line of axis A. a. A.
of the tibia.

Fig. 6
shows the mechanical effect, and to a certain degree, the unavoid-
able result, of the malposition of the boot heel H, too remote from
the line of axis a. a. a. of the tibia, worn off on its front, pushed
back, and exerting a wedge or lever effect backward and upicard on
the OS-CALCIS or heel bone {fig. 9), and a depressing or flat-
tening effect upon the tabsal abch or instep at I. in the direction
of the double dotted line h. i. causing fiat or splay foot (fig, 4, vol.
1), T. TENDO-ACHILLIS or heel cord.

Double dotted lines L. represent ligaments andfascias.

6

LONGITUDINAL AECH.

Figs. 7 and 8

Represent the joints J. J. J. of the foot and ankle, as consisting
of segments of circles of different diameters. The relation of those
in

Fig 7,

Where the arch of the foot, or instep is preserved, as represented
by the curve l. l. to those of

Fig. 8,

Where the arch of the foot is broken down, and the instep de-
pressed, as represented by the reversed or inverted curve 1. 1., de-
monstrates the mechanical changes in the relative position of the
bones, constituting the arch of the foot or instep. Ihebreaking down
of the arch is a essential mechanical condition to the affection
known to Surgeons as flat ok splat foot, in which the chord
of the arch is distended, and the foot elongated. (Vol. 1, fig. 4).

Fig. 9

Is a representation of a boot worn by an individual suffering from
that affection, and which must have been an efficient cause in
producing it. A cast of the foot, is preserved, also the boot. —
The wedge-shaped form, and position which the heel has assumed
will be observed, and wedge or lever effect upon the os-calcis,
or heel bone, readily perceptible, and is demonstrated in figs. -
and — .

Fig. 10

Represents the outline of properly formed boot sole, and the posi-
tion of the heel, adopted and worn by the individual referred to.

8
LONGITUDINAL ARCH.

DEPRESSION OF THE INSTEP.
Fig. 11

Is a representation of the principles of construction of the arch,
a common piece of engineering, applied to the longitudinal arch of
the foot. A. A. abutments, K. the key stone (Astragalus),
receiving the weight, 200 lbs., {of the body), and transmitting it
to the others,^, 2, 3, 5, & H, representing 'the first metatarsal, cu-
boid, scaphoid, and os-calcis or heel-bone ; and H, the boot-heel.

Fig. 12

Designed to show the similarity between the construction of the
common arch, and that of the longitudinal arch of the foot, A. A.,
abutments ; H, the boot-heel; K. the astragalus {Key Stone), upon
the upper surface of which the weight of the body (200 lbs ), is
received and transmitted to the other bones, constituting the long-
itudinal arch.

Fig. 13
Represents a separation of the abutments, the distance from A to
A., fig. 12, being increased to that of B. B., in consequence of
which the chord of the arch or instep, is distended, the foot flat-
tened, its length increased (fig. 8 and 9,) and the positions of the
bones changed in relation to the curve L. L. This is a very pre-
valent mechanical condition of the ft>ot, the result of wearing bad-
ly constructed boots.

Fig. 14.

An exaggeration of the preceeding ; the abutments being sep-
arated still further, to C. C, the chord of the arch becoming still
longer, as the distance between the abutments is increased. And
the arch or instep is depressed and becomes inverted, as indicated
by the inverted curve, L. L., not an uncommon mechanical condi-
tion of the foot, popularly known as "icea/c ankles," and to the
surgeon as "splay-foot."

• *

UOO.ISSK

BBii

■1 HiliH

3
era'

10

LONGITUDINAL AECH.

Fig. 15

Represents a vertical longitudinal section of the bony structure
of the first metatarsophalangeal articulation, or "great toe
joint" a complicated piece of mechanism, made up off our bones,
the first metatarsal and phalangeal, and two sesamoid, analagous to
the patella, or, "knee-pan.'" The two former constitute a hinge
joint, protected upon the lower surface by these sesamoid bones,
which form with their fibrous and ligamentous attachments a bed-
ding or foundation, for the reception and support of the rounded
head of the first metatarsal bone. Upon this joint the weight of
the body turns at every step, and into the depression represented
as produced in fig. 14, this bedding is received, and upon which
it is supported.

Fig. 15.

IMPROVED LASTS

FOB

BOOTS J&.HTTD S H O E S ;

PATENTED JTJI."X" i 1 ?, I860,

By J. C PLUMER, M. D., Portland, Me.

Selections from the Specification.

" This invention has for its object the construction of Lasts for
Boots and Shoes in a novel manner, and in such a way that the
entire bottom of the Last will correspond to the bony and liga-
mentous structure and conformation of sole, back, and heel of the
natural or normal foot, so that a shoe produced upon such a Last
will prevent distortions and deformities of the foot or joints of the
foot, callosities upon the toes, etc., and relieve and correct them
where they already exist.

The invention provides for pressing the plantar tissues or cush-
ion of the hollow portion or groove in the arch of the foot,
against the metatarsus, causing a separating or spreading effect
laterally upon it, thereby preventing compression of the ante-
rior tarsal, metatarsal, or phalangeal bones. It also provides for
affording a constringing support around and longitudinally to the
arch and sides of the foot, at or under the astragalo and calcaneo-
tarsal articulation, or union of the bones of the heel with those
of the arch of the foot.

It also provides, by the curved form of the bottom and back part
of the heel of the last, for an advanced position of the heel of
the last, or heel seat of the last,— whereby the position of the
boot heel is advanced nearer to the front part of the foot, the
shank of the boot is shortened, and the point of support brought
more directly under the line of the tibia, or bone of the leg,
rendering a stiff, uncomfortable shank unnecessary.

The shape of the lasts that are at present made, produce in-

12

boots or shoes made on them, curves, elevations, and depressions
that are contrary or antagonistic to the natural conformation of
the bony and ligamentous structure of the sole of the foot, which
have a decided tendency to deform the foot, and the results are
manifested by the deformities, distortions, callosities, &c, that
result from this malformation of the soles of boots and shoes that
are at present worn. The surface of the innersole is made concave
■where it should be convex, the heel seat, if there be any, is thrown
back too far from the ball portion of the sole, and consequently
the axis of the body is brought nearer to the articulation or joint
of the anterior with the posterior portions of the tarsal bones,
and the weight of the body over this point dislocates, or stretch-
es the bony and ligamentous structure of the arch of the foot,
and the chord of the arch is distended and the foot necessarily
flattened, and its natural shape and functions seriously injur-
ed.

This invention is intended to obviate these objections, and it
consists firstly in making the under surface or sole of the last,
laterally concave from the front of the heel to the toe of the last.

It further consists in curving the heel portion of the last in
such a manner, that a rotundity will be formed corresponding to
the posterior extremity of the os-calcis or heel bone with its lig-
amentous attachments, which will give the heel an advanced po-
sition, diminish the length of the shank, and bring the point of
support nearer to the line with the axis of the tibia and fibula or
bones of the leg, affording ease and giving antero-posterior sup-
port to the heel of the foot, and supporting the foot to a great
extent at the astragalo and calcaneo-tarsal articulation, as will be
hereinafter described and represented.

It further consists in combination with the advanced heel seat
in constricting laterally, that portion of the last in the middle of
the arch, corresponding to the fleshy portion surrounding the
astragalo and calcaneo-tarsal articulation, making it conform and
adapting it to this part so as to give a uniform pressure upwards
and bi-laterally, as will be hereinafter described and represented."

State Assater's Office, )
Portland, June 15, 1860. )

To Dr. J. C. Plumed,

My dear Sir .-—Several months since, while in the pur-
suit of my official duties, I had occasion to call at your
office. While there, my attention was attracted to sun-
dry diagrams which I saw, and on inquiring their mean-
ing, you explained them, and developed to my under-
standing an invention of great novelty, and which
promised to confer a boon long sought after, but until
this never discovered. This was no other than the Last
as modified and improved by you, in accordance with an
eminently philosophical principle. And when I came to
comprehend the invention, it commended itself to my
judgment as the only correct plan. for the construction
of a last, and the making of boots and shoes upon it.
So thoroughly confident was I of its entire correctness,
that I at once ordered a pair of lasts to be made upon
the plan, as designed by you. And without awaiting the
result of the experiment, I had my wife and her sister
measured also for a pair of lasts each, making three sev-
eral pairs. The shoes made upon these lasts, were emi-
nently satisfactory. In my own case they were worn
with entire ease and comfort, during a recent journey
to Washington, and during my stay there and in Balti*
more, I walked several miles a day with less fatigue
than I ever remember having experienced on walks of
similar length before, My wife wore her boots with the
greatest comfort, and on temporarily returning to the old
style of ladies' boots, was astonished at the difference
she found between the n. -w and the old. Her sister
who had always been obliged to buy shoes severalsizes
too long in order to get those she could wear, at length
•rot a boot which fitted her foot, and reduced it to gen-
teel dimensions. In summing up the advantages of the
last, or the shoes or boots made upon it, the following

1*

appear to me, evident from my own experience and ob-
servation •

1. An accurate and easy fit.

2. The lines of the last conforming to those bound-
ing the skeleton of a well for ved foot, must prevent
deformities and appreciably correct them when present.

3. The natural arches of the foot are properly sup-
ported, and their development is favored so as to pro-
duce a firm and elastic tread.

4. The heel being provided with a hollow seat, where
it is firmly set, the foot has not a tendency to slide for-
ward in the shoe or boot, producing pressure upon the
nail of the great toe and a liability to the painful disease
known as " ingrowing toe nail."

5. No doubt exists in my own mind that some forms
of lameness, dependent upon abnormal tension of the
ligaments and tissues in the tarsal arch may be effectual-
ly relieved by wearing shoes made upon the last as im-
proved by you.

And further experience will no doubt develop furth-
er advantages.

In conclusion I would say, that I have reason to be-
lieve that the principle suggested to your mind and
followed out by careful and patient reasoning and exper-
iment has now for the first time, been practically and
fully developed and applied. It consists as I under-
stand, in conforming the outline of the last to the con-
tour of the osseous and ligamentous tissues of a well
formed and developed foot, bringing the point of sup-
port more directly in the long axis of the body and
limbs, diminishing the amount of leather employed in a
shoe to the minimum necessary, and conferring advant-
ages which can be most sensibly appreciated by those
who suffer from tender feet.

That you may reap an abundant reward for your care-
ful study and ingenuity is my earnest wish.
Yours very cordially,

H. T. CUMM1NGS, M. D„

Assay er to the State of Maine .

Portland, June 15, I860.
Mr. D. Robinson, Jr.,

I have worn with great satisfaction and comfort, the
boots furnished by you, and made upon the " Anatomi-
cal Last." They were more comfortable to my feet the
first time I put them on, than a nice pair of boots made
upon the common form of last, which I have been wear-
ing for several mor ths.

It seems to me that the invention of Dr. Plumer is as
valuable as it is novel. Based upon principles entirely
scientific, and applied in a manner quite original, I think
his services to the public should be highly appreciated
and in some way handsomely rewarded.

Very truly yours, ISRAEL T. DANA, M. D

Portland, Nov. 24, 1860.
Dr. J. C. Plumer,

Dear Sir : — I have been perusing your little book
upon the " Mechanics', Mechanical Anatomy, and Me-
chanical Distortions of the Bony Structure of the Human
Foot." By the aid of such numerous and ingenious
diagrams, you have made the exposition interesting, clear
and conclusive.

I think you cannot fail to reach the understandings of

the people.

You make your " Patent Last " do what the common
last does not begin to do, viz : correspond to the natural
contour of the solid structure of the foot. Notwith-
standing that my feet had so often ached in testimony to
the fact°that new boots even " made to order" upon the
old last, would not fit, I would not have believed that
the old form of last could be so faulty as the comparison
of it with the new has demonstrated it to be. _

The principle of the » Patent Last" commends itselt
wholly to my judgment, and I believe it to be as novel as
it is excellent. -.

Boots and shoes made upon it are calculated to pe-
serve the natural arches of the foot upon which the facil-
ity of standing and walking largely depend while
fhe use of those made upon the old plan tends to

break them down. I examined the foot of a gentleman
yesterday, in whose case the arches had been thus de-
stroyed, and who suffers greatly in consequence. He
might have escaped this misfortune had your invention
been made fifty years ago. It may do something now to
correct the deformity.

It makes the wearing of thick soles comfortable to
ladies, who have heretofore rejected them to the great
detriment of their health.

Boots made upon your Last exert an equable pressure
upon all parts of the foot, and so must tend to prevent
the local congestions and tumefactions so common and so
painful, and so often leading to results yet more unfor-
tunate.

A personal experience has fully realized high expecta-
tions on my part, and such is the universal testimony I
have heard fromothers.

Very truly yours,

ISRAEL T. DANA, M. D.

Portland, Nov. 23, 1860.
J. C. Plumer, M. D.,

Dear Sir : — It gives me pleasure to add my individual
testimony to that of many friends and acquaintances, in
regard to your " Patent Anatomical Last."

Many inventions, which theorize beautifully, fall la-
mentably short in the practical application. This discovery
is only exceeded in the breadth and strict truth of its scien-
tific basis by the thoroughness and success of its practi-
cal application ; and, indeed, as in the old legend of
Columbus and the egg, we only wonder that nobody did
it before.

It seems to me that a fair trial of this last is all that
is necessary to convince the most skeptical of its immeas-
urable superiority to every thing in this line that has pre-
ceded it. Truly yours,

CHAS. W. THOMAS, M. D.

Mr. D. Kobinson, Jr.

Dcai- Sir: — I am happy to say that the boots made
for me several weeks since at your establishment, on
the Anatomical Last of Dr. Plummer, are the most com-
fortable I have ever worn.

Yours truly, S, FITCH, M. D.

Portland, Oct 5, 1860,

Portland, Me., Nov. 23, i860.
Dear Doctor —

Thank you for your pamphlet on the " mechanics of
the human foot." The diagrams are, in a great measure,
new to me and they are very beautiful and very truthful.

Anatomists have long admired the skeleton of the
foot, and Surgeons have carefully analyzed the principles
of its construction and the relation of its parts in order,
to remedy its frequent distortions and diseases induced by
fashionable boots and shoes.

But the idea of conforming the Last to the solid struc-
ture of the foot upon the principles of exact science (un-
questionably originated by yourself) is destined to revo-
lutionize completely the art of boot making and elevate
it, it not to the rank of the fine arts, at least to that of the
finest decorative arts.

The important changes you have instituted in the con-
struction of the Last, are calculated not only to avert the
evils named above, but by preserving the integrity of
the arches of the foot will eminently develop its beauty,
strength, elasticity — and these results will induce many
to watk much in the open air, who seldom walked before,
especially the ladies, and thus an important means of
health w ; ll become attractive, interesting, fashionable,
and consequently universal.

I have had another pair of boots made on the anatom-
ical lasts, and I shall probably never again habitually
wear any other kind.

I formerly remembered my Edinburgh shoes with
which I walked over the Highlands of Scotland as most
comfortable, and the boots made for me in Paris as very

beautiful, but those made upon the anatomical lasts are
alone perfect, and with sentiments of real gratitude for
the benefits of your invention, I remain

Yours very truly,
Dr. J. C. Plumer. S. FITCH, M. D.

Portland, Dec. 7, I860,
Bear Doctor : —

Permit me to give you my experience in the tise of
the " Anatomical Last." Since childhood I have suffer-
ed trom weakness of the ankles, and flattening of the
foot, much aggravated by a recent attack of Rheumatism,
that left the ligaments so sore as to render walking ex-
tremely painful, even in boots which I have worn so long
as to fit them as perfectly to the feet as it is possible for
boots, made on the old last. In this condition I tried a
pair of shoes constructed on the Anatomical Last. I was
able to walk in them with the utmost ease. The pecul-
iar form of the sole and heel afforded that support to the
plantar arch which it had always needed, and in a short
time my feet were in a better condition than they had
ever been before.

I most cordially and gratefully acknowledge the bene-
fit which I have received from their use, and shall take
every possible occasion to recommend the Anatomical
Last to all who, from any cause, find it difficult to get
well fitiing and easy boots, certain that, after a sufficient
trial, they will agree with me in the belief that it is one
of the most valuable and useful inventions of the times.
I do not hesitate to predict, that it will entirely super-
scede the use of the old last in no great length of time.
Yours very truly,

W. R. EICHARDSON, M. D., City Physician.

J. C. Plumer, M. D.

From the Portland Advertiser, Oct. 25, 1860.

"WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES."

Onr attention has of late been frequently called to various ar-
ticles published in the papers of New York and elsewhere, upon
the subject of shoes, based upon a book recently published in Ger-
many by Professor Meyer. This author is of the opinion that a
vast deal of human suffering might readily be saved, if the teach-
ings of nature and the truths of science were attended to in mak-
ing clothing for the feet. Corns and bunions are works of art,
not of nature, and fashionable boot and shoe makers are the ar-
tists. From the New York Evening Post, one of the most influ-
ential and careful papers in the country, we extract the following
paragraphs :

" Dr. Meyer, the author, is pronounced one of the highest con-
tinental authorities on Physiological Anatomy, who has publish-
ed an important general text on that science, as well as several
treatises on the structure of the foot and knee. Certainly the
needless sufferings which men and women endure from badly cut
and ill-shaped shoes cry aloud for a reform.

Against the prevailing pattern Professor Meyer, in his capacity
of anatomist, utters an earnest protest. The cut of a shoe, says
the Professor, is not as the cut of a coat, a matter of indifference.
" When Fashion prescribes an arbitrary form of shoe, she goes," he
asserts, " far beyond her province, and in reality, arrogates to her-
self the right of determining the shape of the foot."

In his opinion the shoemaker ought not only to produce a shoe
that does not pinch, but a shoe so constructed that it will give to
afoot distorted by the pinching it has borne already , fair chance of a
return lo its right shape, and full possession of its power as a
means of carrying the body onward. He tells us that, in measur-
ing a foot for shoe or boot, the first thing to be considered is the
place of the great toe. Upon this toe, in walking, the weight of
the whole body turns at every step.

The practice adopted by many of having a last made of the
exact size and model of the foot is condemned by Professor Meyer,
ifthejoot has been previously injured in consequence of wearing ill
fitting boots or shoes, If a cast be made of a distorted foot and a
boot fitted to that, it is bad, because thereby the distortion is confirm-
ed It would be much better, therefore, says the Professor, so to
form the boot that the conditions of healthy walking are allowed
for and the bones, at least to some extent, can gradually right
themselves. To a foot shortened by distortion he would fit a shoe
adapted to its healthy size. _ •

The subject which has attracted the attention of the German
Professor and which is of sufficient practical importance to en-
gage the attention of every one who does not avoid all the dis-
comforts of corns and bunions and distortions generally, by going

barefoot, has been made a special study by one of our own towns-
men, who, going further than Professor Meyer, has attempted to
perfect a plan for furnishing a boot which shall be elegant in
shape while it perfectly conforms to the anatomy of the foot.
That the foot was constructed with a view to locomotion is appar-
e nt to evereybody excepting fashionable shoemakers. In the
scheme of Dr. Plumer of Portland, this fact is kept constantly in
view. Many of our best known citizens are now wearing boots
or shoes constructed upon Dr. Plumer's lasts, and under his su-
perintendence, and they are unanimously of the opinion, that for
real use, comfort, and elegance, they are vastly superior to any-
thing which can be made upon the ordinary plan. We append a
few extracts from the preface of a pamphlet about to be issued
by Dr. Plumer, .with the intention of again referring to the sub-
ject.

" At present the last-maker produces a fashionable last, and
from it, the boot-maker a fashionable boot, and our feet alone at
fault, in the estimation of both last and shoe-maker, have to suf-
fer, for if the boot is not made to fit the foot, the foot must be
made to fit it, and in doing this the foot is distorted.

In order for a boot-maker to have really a nice perception of
what he is to undertake, of the surgical instrument he is to con-
struct, he should have some knowledge of the anatomical mechan-
ism of the human foot, especially of the solid structure, and
should study the habits of the individual foot, manner of stepping,
whether natural and free, or restrained, and whether inward, or
outward, or straight-forward.

The line of direction, and distance from the heel, of the ball or
joint of the great toe, should be carefully considered, for upon it,
the weight of the body turns at every step. And the relation of
the corresponding points in the sole of the shoe is important to a
firm, elastic, and easy tread, as well as the economical wearing of
and comfort of the boot.

That boot and shoe making, and the requirements and abuses
of the foot, are subjects upon which the people should be better
informed, and Upon which more attention should be bestowed,
does not admit of question. A properly constructed boot or shoe
is essential to thorough muscular development and health ; for
without them healthful exercise is tedious, if not impossible.

In distortion of the foot, the Chinese are, as a nation, content
with a less degree than ourselves ; their idea of elegance requir-
ing but one especial deformity, viz., bending under of the toes
against the palm of the foot, for the purpose of shortening it. We
are satisfied with nothing less than a general distortion of the
entire foot, in all its joints and throughout its entire construc-
tion."

From the New York World.

Gentlenieu ( and ladies 1 ) who have pet corns and other pedal
grievances, will be delighted at the publication of a work called,
" Why the Shoe Pinches," and in which the author, Prof. Meyer,
shows boots and shoes are almost invariably ill-shaped, and that
beside the crippling deformities more immediately attributed to
them, they cause indirectly many injuries to health which are
commonly imputed to any cause but the true one.

Professor Meyer builds up his argument on this fundamental
principle, that the shape of the shoe ought not to be left to the
dictates of fashion, for that would be in fact giving to fashion the
right of determining the shape of the foot, it being quite clear
that if the shoe differ in shape from the foot, the latter being the
more pliable, must of necessity, adapt itself to the shape of the
former. He hiaintains that the great toe plays by far the most
important part iu walking ; that in easing the foot, in the act of
stepping, the whole of the sole is gradually unrolled, as it were,
up to the point of the great toe ; and that the line in which the
foot thus unrolls itself passes through the center of the heel, and
is in a perfectly sound foot, continuous with the axis of the great
toe. In such a foot, also, toes lie in an almost rectangular tri-
angle, whilst one of the commonest distortions caused by shoes
and boots of the usual form is the conversion of the rectangular
into an isosceles acute angled triangle. Growing-in nails, gout,
chilblains, corns, bunions, and flat foot are among the other evils
immediately springing from the same cause. It is a prevailing be-
lief among shoe-makers that there are primary differences in the struc-
ture of the feet : but this is an error. All feet are perfectly alike in
the principles of their mechanical construction, and the only differences
in our healthy feet are those arising from varying length and breadth.

In this connection we would call attention to the Anatomical Last,
patented by J. C. Plcmer, M. D. The peculiarity of this last is
that it is conformed to the contour of the body and ligamentous
structure of the sole and sides of the normal foot, and rotundity of
the back part and sides of the heel when elevated. This is pronounced by
surgeons and scientific men generally,a novel and scientific principle

From this Last not only a comfortable, but an elegant fitting boot
is produced, one which requires np " breakiag in." And it is
claimed that for the relief of tender feet, inflamed instep or joints, or
callousities upon any part of the foot, for the preservation of the
natural circles of the foot, insuring freedom from the usual tire-
some, straining sensations in standing or walking, and a firm and
elastic tread, for the prevention and correction of mechanical dis-
tortions, consequent upon wearing badly constructed boots. Noth-
ing equals boots and shoes made from this Last.

Judging from the number and character of the testimonials pub-
lished by The proprietors, the " patent last " has already become the
favorite. It is now in use by all the most intelligent boot makers in
this and other cities, and important towns, throughout the State,
and will very soon come into general use.— Portland Transcript.

From the Eastern Argus, Aug. 15, I860.

Improved Lasts for Boots and Shoes. — We would
invite attention to the improved last for boots and shoes,
recently patented by J. C. Plumer, M. D., of this city.
The inventor claims that it is " constructed in accord-
ance with the bony and ligamentous conformation of the
bottom and back part of the foot, when the heel is elevat-
ed, and that boots and shoes made from it will not only
prevent, but correct deformities already existing."

It is apparent to the most casual ( bserver that a large
proportion of persons, resident particularly in cities, are
suffering from distortions and deformities of the feet, the
result, in many instances, of wearing, from early life,
ill-fitting, and badly constructed boots or shoes. The
usual shape of the last upon which they have heretofore
been made has not corresponded with that of a well-
formed foot. Last makers seemed to have directed their
attention simply to changes in the fashion of the upper
and front part, comparatively as unimportant as the back
of a glove, entirely disregarding the conformation of the
foot, and more especially, the sole, the most important
part of it.

The shape of the lasts that are at present in general
use, says the inventor of the improved last, produces in
the soles of the boot or shoe made upon them, curves,
elevations, and depressions that are opposed to the nat-
ural conformation of the bony and ligamentous structure
of the sole of the foot, which have a decided tendency
to deform the foot while young, and the results are man-
ifested hy the distortions and callosities so generally
prevalent in consequence of the ill-shaped shoes at pres-
ent generally worn.

The idea of conforming the last to the fleshy structure
of the foot is erroneous, since it depends much upon
circumstanc s, certain portions of the foot, especially the
fleshy portion of the longitudinal arch, becoming like the
workman's arm, enlarged by over straining. '

We are informed by the proprietors, that during their
experiments for the past few months, several hundred
persons have been fitted, and judging from the number
and character of the testimonials before us, the matter

is no longer an experiment but a decided success ; and
that public sentiment will compel the general adoption
of the improved last. It is peculiarly important for the
young and for those who have the muscles of the feet
debilitated from an)' cause. In such cases the advant-
ages are soon manifest. Feet that are strong and hard
may resist the bad effects for a long time, but the con-
tinual pressure will finally tell upon the firmest feet, as
how many enlarged joints and other distortions will tes-
tify. "We are right glad to see this improvement. It
is based on scientific principles, and we commend it to
the attention of all who wish comfortable boots for
themselves, and desire their children to grow up with
symmetrically shaped feet.

From the Boston Evening Gazette.

"Why the Shoe Pinches. — A professor of Anatomy in the
University of Zurich, Prof. Meyer, has lately given his attention
to a most practicable subject, — why shoes pinch. — a subject on
which the disciples of St. Crispin have from time immemorial
claimed the exclusive right to judge, even extending their claim
to the primary question whether in fact our shoes do pinch at all.
Professor Meyer has taken the matter up as an anatomist, and a
young Edinburgh physician has translated his pamphlet.

As reported by the" New York Evening Post, he starts with
the fundamental idea that fashion ought to take the cut of the
shoe from the form of the foot, and not cramp the form of the
foot to suit the cut of the shoe. The first thing, he says, is to con-
sider the <*reat toe, which does most of our walking for us. A
line from the point of this toe to the middle of its root would, he
says, if continued, pass the middle of the heel ; but as boots and
shoe's are made, the tendency is to twist the toe out of this line.
Therefore he claims that the shoe should be made to suit the nat-
ural position of the great toe as well as the little toe (which
has hitherto had a disproportionate share of the attention of man-
kind)- boots, he says, if made on principle, ought to be so shaped
that when a pair are side by side, with the heels m contact,
the inner line of the front part of the soles should also be in con-
tact alon" the whole edge to the end of the great toes, so that
if the toes are to be pointed, this must be done by taking away
from the outside alone. , .

Professor Meyer admits that boots made in this way would
aive us all the appearance of turning in our toes, but concludes
that as this is the natural shape of the foot, it must be as elegant
in reality as any other shape, besides being more comfortable.

We noticed, a few weeks since, the improved last recently pat-
ened by J. C. Plumer, M. D^, of this city, and assure the Gazette
that from this last not only a comfortable but an elegant boot
can be produced. We speak from personal examination and ex-
perience in this matter, and are gratified to notice that the same
subject has attracted attention in Europe. It is high time. The
inventor of this last claims that it is constructed in accordance
with the bony and ligamentous conformation of the sole and back part
of the foot when the heel is elevated, and that boots and shoes
made upon it will not only prevent deformities, but correct those
already existing, and we think it will do so. — Eastern Argus, Oct.

15, 1860.

From the NeWburyport Herald of Gospel Liberty, Oct 4th, 1860.

Improved Lasts foe Boots axd Shoes. — We would invite
attention to the improved last for boots and shoes, recently pa-
tented by J. C. Plumer. M. D„ of Portland, Me.

The inventor claims that it is " constructed in accordance with
the bony andligamtons conformation of the bottom and back part of
the foot when the heel is elevated, and that boots and shoes made from
it will not only prevent but correct deformities already existing."

The shape of the lasts that are at present in general use, says
the inventor of the improved last, produces in the soles of the
boot or the shoe made upon them, curves, elevations, and depres-
sions that are opposed to the natural conformation of the bony
and ligamentous structure of the sole of the foot, which have a de-
cided tendency to deform the foot while young, and the results
are manifested by the distortions and callosities so generally prev-
alent in consequence of the ill-shaped shoes at present general-
ly worn.

The idea of conforming the last to the fleshy structure of the
foot is erroneous, since it depends much upon circumstances, cer-
tain proportions of the foot, especially the fleshy portions of the
longitudinal arch, becoming like the workman's arm, enlarged by
over-straining.

From the same.j Oct. 11.
Portland, Oct. 4th, 18G0.

Brother Carter. — I see in this week's paper that you notice
Dr. Plumer's improved last for boots and shoes. I will say to all
whose feet have been tortured with the old style, that I have
tried the new and found relief. And I hope for humanity's sake
it may soon take the place entirely of the old style. Why should
the feet which God has made, be so tired and suffer so much 1
Why should they be move weary than other parts of the body 1
Only because for generations a shoe of Chinese folly has been
worn. The price of the new is a half dollar more than the old
style. I write this unsolicited, and have no interest in the matter,
only as I wish success to everything which gives relief. The at-
tention of all who manufacture shoes is called to this very useful
improvement. It will doubtless be for their interest, for where
the new stvle is known, it must take the place of the old.

-k. 0. P. TUCKERMAN.

Portland, July 12, 1860.
Dr. Peumer,

Dear Sir : — Having learned the principles upon which
your " Anatomical Last" is made, I was favorably im-
pressed as to its efficiency in relieving a difficulty
which we all have experienced, who have to walk con-
siderably, viz : severe pain in the feet after much walk-
ing. After having worn the boots made upon the " Ana-
tomical Last," I found my anticipations more than
realized. I can walk nearly all day without experienc-
ing the above-named difficulty in the least degree. I
also escaped the torturing process of breaking in my
boots, for they were as easy at first as after the}- had
been worn. Truly yours,

C. H. BURBANK, M. D.
Corner of Congress and Temple Streets.

Roxbury, Sept. 18th, 1860.
D. Robinson, Jr. Co.,

Gentlemen: — I am very much pleased with the shoes
I had made for myself and my son, from Dr. Plumer's
Patent Last, and I propose to send for more soon.
Your obedient servant,

D. (i. Haskins.

From Professor Packard, Brunswick College.

Brunswick, Nov. 5. 1860.

E Shaw & (

. .—The Shoes were received, and proved,
an excellent fit. I never had new shoes so comfortable,
and judge that the Anatomical Last is the one for me.
Respectfully yours,

A. S. Packard.

2*^ e5£|L£:

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